Records from the National Archives, about the Gresford Colliery disaster in the 1930s, are on display in north Wales after being hidden for decades. These documents reveal emotional calls for the recovery of trapped bodies. Only the majority remained underground. The archives have given this exhibit to the local community, as they think it’s crucial to revisit the pain of the catastrophe.
Some documents likely to provoke anger include a falsified safety logbook which indicates an attempt to cover up flaws weeks before the 1934 disaster where over 260 people lost their lives. The National Archives in Kew has shown original documents to a community.
Alan Jones, a former miner, views the temporary return of these documents to Wrexham as a positive. He believes the incident is still deeply felt by the locals because it affects them personally. His cousin Jabez, whose body still lies trapped in the mine, and his grandfather, who had survivor’s guilt, are directly linked to the disaster. An artifact present is William Cuffin’s notebook of fabricated mine air measurements.
Showcasing these documents at Wrexham Library and later taking them back to Kew for the public will break the past open again. Furthermore, urgent telephone messages to the Mines Inspectorate during the disaster are also on display, alongside records from the following inquiry.
Sarah Castagnetti, visual collections team manager at the National Archives, was prompted to explore records of the disaster after watching the documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham.’ Stopped in her tracks by the amount of names noted in the exercise books, she wanted to offer a closer look into the story of the people of Wrexham.
Such letters, like one from Margaret Capper willing the recovery of her brother John, are moving, showing significant suffering and pain. Castagnetti highlights the powerful voices behind the documents and their potent connection to today’s community.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/22/records-of-deadly-1934-pit-explosion-in-wrexham-to-be-displayed-near-site
